DOT Required Observed Collections

DOT Requires you to Notify the Driver for an Immediate Observed Collection without any Prior Notice.

Drug Testing Instructions - Observed Collection

1. Login to your Express Labs account

2. Click “Order Drug Tests” on the Top Left Tabs

3. Select the Reason for Testing (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up)

4. Choose a Collection Site by entering the ZIP Code (Collection Fees Included)

5. Click “Complete Order”

6. Check your Email for the QPassport from Quest Diagnostics within 1 Hour or download the QPassport Instantly on ESP

7. Notify the Driver only after you have received the QPassport and Called the Collection Site to Confirm the Site is Open and has a Same-Gender Collector for an Observed Collection.  Sites may not begin a Collection within 3 Hours of Closing (Drivers have 3 hours to provide Sample)

8. Driver must bring the QPassport (printed or on your phone) to the Collection Site Selected on the QPassport for the Collector to Scan the Barcode and Start the Collection

9. Results are Emailed and Uploaded into your Account on ESP (Employer Solutions Portal)

Abnormal pH

• Urine pH in a DOT Drug Test should be 4.5–8. Levels outside this Range may show Tampering, Dilution, or Substitution and require Retesting under Direct Observation

Immunoassay Interference

• Interference with Creatinine Levels from Medications, Metabolites, or Abnormal Values may cause False Positives or Negatives, leading to Retesting under Direct Observation

Invalid Creatinine

• Creatinine confirms if a Urine Sample is Genuine. Very Low or Abnormal Levels may indicate Dilution or Substitution, requiring Retesting under Direct Observation

Bottle A & Bottle B – Different Appearance

• DOT Tests split Urine into Bottle A (Primary) and Bottle B (Split). If the Bottles look different, it may signal Tampering or Contamination and require Retesting under Direct Observation

Temperature-Out-of-Range

• Urine must be 90°F–100°F at Collection. Readings outside this Range suggest Tampering or Substitution. Drivers must give a Second Sample under Direct Observation or face a Refusal-to-Test

Specific Gravity

• Specific Gravity checks Urine Concentration. Out-of-Range results may indicate Dilution or Adulteration and require Retesting under Direct Observation

What is an Observed Collection?

• A Same-Gender Collector accompanies the Driver into the Restroom and must watch the urine stream go directly into the Container.  The Driver raises their Shirt above the Navel and lowers Clothing to Mid-Thigh.  The Collector signs Documentation confirming the Process followed DOT Guidelines

What if an Employer Fails to Notify a Driver for a DOT-Required Observed Collection?

• The Employer must Notify the Driver Promptly or the Employer is in Non-Compliance with DOT.